Disable Cortana data collection
- Multiple actionsThis page belongs to a category, containing some changes with similar goal.
- Windows onlyThis script improves your privacy on Windows
- Impact: MinimumSystem Functionality Loss Risk: Low
This action improves privacy with minimal impact when you run the recommended script. - Batch (batchfile)These changes use Windows system commands to update your settings.
- 16 scripts
- 2 categories
- Fully reversible
You can fully restore this action (revert back to the original behavior) using this website.
The restore/revert methods provided here can help you fix issues.
Overview
This category targets the reduction of Cortana's data collection practices.
Cortana, Microsoft's digital assistant, integrates deeply with Windows Search to provide personalized assistance based on user data.
By disabling Cortana's data collection features, this category aims to enhance user privacy by preventing the sharing of sensitive information with Microsoft.
The scripts within this category provide users with the tools to limit Cortana's reach into their personal data, thereby fostering a more private and secure digital environment.
Apply Now
Choose one of two ways to apply:
Download script
Download and run the script directly- No app needed
- Offline usage
- Easy-to-apply
- Free
- Open-source
Normal — Functional Privacy
- Recommended for all
- Safe for daily use
- No impact on system stability
Read more about Normal and other protection levels
Help
How to apply or restore "Disable Cortana data collection" using script
- ≈ 2 min to complete
- Tools: Web Browser
- Difficulty: Simple
- ≈ 5 instructions
- 1
Download
Download the script file by clicking on the button above.
Use button above to restore changes. - 2
Keep the file
If warned by your browser, keep the file. - 3
Open
Open the downloaded file. - 4
Exit
Once it's done, press any key to exit the window. - 5
Restart
Restart your computer for all changes to take effect.
Apply with privacy.sexy
Guided, automated application with safety checks- Recommended for most users
- Includes safety checks
- Shows the code
- Free
- Open-source
- Popular
- Offline/Online usage
Help
How to apply or restore "Disable Cortana data collection" using privacy.sexy
- ≈ 3 min to complete
- Tools: privacy.sexy
- Difficulty: Simple
- ≈ 4 instructions
- 2
Choose script
- Search for the category name: Disable Cortana data collection
- Check the category by clicking on the checkbox of the category.
- 3
Run
Click on ▶️ Run button at the bottom of the page.This button only appears on desktop version (recommended). On browser, use 💾 Save button.
Explore This Guide
- 16 Privacy settings
- 2 Main categories
- These settings are organized into 2 main categories for easy navigation.
- Main categories may contain subcategories, further organizing related functionality.
- 2 Total categories
Choose what to protect based on your needs:This script already includes these options.
You can review, apply or reverse each option individually.
Click any option to learn more about what it does.
- Some settings and commands may require technical knowledge to apply correctly.
- Most users find the Normal protection above sufficient.
Disable Cortana activity history
This category focuses on preventing Cortana from storing and displaying user interaction history. When enabled, Cortana collects data on user a...
Disable Cortana voice listening
This category is designed to stop Cortana from listening for voice commands. By default, Cortana can actively listen for voice input, which may...
Disable Cortana during search
Disable Cortana experience
Disable Cortana's access to cloud services such as OneDrive and SharePoint
Disable Cortana speech interaction while the system is locked
Disable participation in Cortana data collection
Disable enabling of Cortana
Disable Cortana in start menu
Remove "Cortana" icon from taskbar
Disable Cortana in ambient mode
Similar Guides
Wider Goal
Guides below includes this guide to achieve a wider goal.See other more general settings that includes this one as one of its actions.These plans combine multiple privacy settings, including this one, for stronger protection.
- Disable Windows search data collection
- Disable OS data collection
This category is dedicated to minimizing the personal data collected and utilized by Windows Search and Cortana. It encompasses a range of scripts design...
Same Goal
Other guides in Disable Windows search data collection See settings that are in the same category as this guide.Using other actions in the same category may help you achieve your goal better.
About the Creators
These people have authored this documentation and written its scripts:
undergroundwires- Certified security professional
- 7+ years experience securing banks
- Open-source developer since 2005
- EU advisor, Public Speaker, Moderator
- Open-Source Contributors
- Hundreds across the globe
- Testers, reviewers, developers
- Companies, military agencies
- Community since 2017
Reviewed By
This guide has undergone comprehensive auditing and peer review:Expert review by undergroundwires
- Verified technical accuracy and editorial standards
- Assessed system impact and user privacy risks
- Audited and verified using automated security tests
Public review by large community
- Privacy enthusiasts and professionals peer-reviewed
- Millions of end-users tested across different environments
- Audited and verified using third-party security software
History
We continually monitor our guides, their impact and other potential privacy options. We update our guides when new information becomes available. On every update, we publicly store who made the change, what has been changed, why the change was made and when the change was made.